Curtains can be one of the most distinctive features of a room. They can announce the feel of the room as casual, elegant, or dark, especially if the room has a large enough window.
Curtains can also improve the look of a room that lacks large windows.
Apart from the color and the fabric that determines the look of the curtain, the length of the curtain also plays an important role in the overall feel of the room.
There are three standard sizes for curtain lengths: 84 inches, 96 inches, and 108 inches. All three sizes give a distinct look and feel, even if using the same material.
However, it does not mean you cannot get different sized curtains made by going custom, even if this can get a bit expensive.
Read on more to find out what feel each curtain size gives, how the width varies with the curtain length, and finally how to choose the best curtain length for your home.
What Is The Standard Curtain Length?
Curtains are one of the core features to consider when styling a room. Windows accentuated with curtain versus blinds give a very different look to the entire room.
Those who are decorating need to make sure that the curtains, material, length, and style are suited to match the overall desired look.
When it comes to length, there are three standard sizes that are readily available in most stores.
However, many stores which deal with home items specifically may have longer curtains and offer other size variations as well.
1. Short Curtains
The smallest length is 84 inches and generally starts from just above the window to less than a foot below it. These short curtains are perfect if you want to add character to the room with fun patterns and colors.
Even if you are going for a monotone short curtain, a contrasting design can balance out the look and give a refreshing look and feel to the room.
These types of curtains are perfect if you have furniture or a heater located right below it as well.
They are also well suited for small windows, like those in the kitchen where sinks and counters already are taking up space and making a room busy.
2. Medium Length Curtains
The second-longest standard curtain size is 96 inches, which again starts above the window and goes down to finish just a foot or so above the floor.
This curtain size is often called the “apron,” as it hangs way a bit the floor. It is not the most popular size, but it is suited if you do not wish for dust and debris to make the curtains dirty.
This curtain length is most commonly used in a child’s bedroom or a doorless entrance in your house.
3. Long Curtains
The third and lengthiest curtain size amongst the standard sizes is 108 inches.
This is the size perfect for creating a formal and traditional look going all the way down to the floor, leaving just a quarter inch to spare.
It gives a most formal and regal look and is perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.
4. Puddle Curtains
Home stores might also have 120-inch curtains. These are if you want curtains that graze the floor or puddle at the ground to give a more dramatic look. They go usually 3-4 inches beyond the floor’s actual length.
However the look, you cannot draw these curtains often as the material grazing the floor can clump together.
Therefore, it does not serve the functionality of the long curtains or the shorter lengths.
If you are going for a classier and more regal look, you might want to choose this curtain length.
You can also install these curtains a few inches above the usual starting point for curtain rods which is right above the window.
This will give an elongated look to your room giving it a more spacious look and feel and the curtains will not touch the ground.
Are Curtains Supposed To Touch The Floor?
Curtains are generally not supposed to touch the floors. However, if you are going for a traditional look, you might want to measure the length from above your window to a quarter-inch above the floor to select the perfect length of curtains.
If you have exceptionally large windows or ceilings higher than usual, you would want to skip the standard sizes and go for a custom look.
Another look that is most popularly used in living rooms is to install the curtain rods just below the point where the wall meets the ceiling and going all the way down to the floor. This is great if you have long windows that are not wide.
Do Curtain Widths Vary With Curtain Lengths?
If curtains are long, they certainly need the volume to look fuller and complete. Curtains that are short in their width but have a long length often look drab and lack that dramatic or traditional look that you might be going for.
The width of your curtains should be calculated by multiplying the width of the window by 1.5 if you are going for shorter-length curtains.
For longer curtains, you might have to multiply the width of the window by 3 to get the perfect width matching the length of the curtains.
Summing Up Standard Curtain Lengths
When it comes to curtains, there are many ways to style them. A curtain styled to complement the overall look of the room can certainly highlight and accentuate the other aspects of the room like the furniture, flooring, wall design, and ceiling design.
Before you purchase curtains, you have to be sure of the length of your windows and the type of look you are going for. This also might let you know that you should get custom curtains made instead.
The three standard curtain sizes are 84 inches, 96 inches, and 108 inches. These curtain sizes vary based on the room, the functionality, and the overall look of the room.
